Trying to get better at estimating project time. How do you break down hours across audit phases? I'm spending too much time on data gathering and not enough on analysis. Eversource in Connecticut bills are a mess to organize.
Time allocation per audit phase
I budget 20% for data collection and organization, 40% for analysis and calculations, 20% for research and verification, 20% for reporting and presentation. SCE&G in South Carolina audits usually hit these targets.
That seems about right. I track actual vs estimated hours in a spreadsheet. Helps me quote future jobs more accurately. MidAmerican Energy in South Dakota has consistent billing formats that speed up data entry.
Don't forget about client communication time. Some clients want daily updates, others disappear for weeks. Black Hills Energy audits are straightforward but clients often need hand-holding through the findings.
Time tracking is essential for profitability. Consider using project management software to track phases automatically. The data helps you identify which types of audits are most profitable and where you can improve efficiency.